Page 19 - ADT JULY - AUGUST 2022 Online Magazine

and interconnected with a GBTS, including two full mission sim- sion programme for the RAAF’s Hawk fleet. [ AIR SYSTEMS ]
ulators (FMS), which are in operation using state-of-the-art live “This 10-year $1.5 billion contract with BAE
virtual constructive (LVC) technology. The integration of in-flight Systems Australia will progressively update
aircraft, FMS on ground, and Computer-Generated Forces (CGF) the performance of the fast-jet combat train-
on the onboard simulation allow the cadet pilot to interact in real ing aircraft, including an engine replacement,
time with a virtual tactical scenario matching Live (aircraft in flight), to meet the emerging needs of pilots preparing
Virtual (simulators) and Constructive (Embedded Tactical Training to fly the F-35A Lightning II, the F/A 18F Super
Simulation). In an LVC environment, the most complex operational Hornet and the EA-18G Growler until 2032,”
scenarios can be reproduced along with the most challenging Dutton said.
situational awareness scenarios, which further enhancing training
effectiveness while reducing training cost. According to company Rolls-Royce has been contracted to deliver
officials, the LVC capability provided by Leonardo’s training system upgraded Mk951 Adour engines for the Hawk
is currently fully developed and already operational, in comparison Mk127s. The RAAF operates a fleet of 33 Hawk
with similar initiatives in their developmental phase. The Italian Air 127 aircraft which are operated by Number 76
Force as well as Singaporean, Israeli, Polish and Greek air forces Squadron (RAAF Base Williamtown, New South
have already chosen and are operating training systems centered Wales) and Number 79 Squadron (RAAF Base
on the M-346 Pearce, Western Australia). RAAF Hawk Mk127s
are already amongst the most capable in the
world following a major capability upgrade on
Future Hawk all 33 aircraft which began in 2014 and finished
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operates BAE Systems five years later in 2019 and was known as the
Hawk 127 jet trainer aircraft for its Lead-In Fighter Training System lead-in fighter capability assurance programme
(LIFTS). In February, Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton (LIF CAP). These aircraft are comparable with
announced a AUD1.5 billion upgrade and in-service support exten- the UK Royal Air Force’s Hawk T2 advanced
jet trainers.

All upgraded aircraft received new train-
ing capabilities including simulated radar,
electronic warfare, digital mapping, ground
proximity warning system and traffic collision
avoidance. The upgrade also included the
replacement of two legacy synthetic training
devices with three full-mission simulators pro-
vided by CAE and the incorporation of an air
combat manoeuvring instrumentation (ACMI)
capability on to the aircraft by Cubic Defence
Applications Inc. The Australian Hawk Mk127
fleet entered service in 2001.

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